As Malaysia sets its sights on becoming a high-income nation, one thing is clear: we can’t afford to leave half the population behind.
Women currently make up just 56 percent of Malaysia’s labour force participation, far below the 80 percent seen among men, according to Department of Statistics data in February 2024.
This gender gap isn’t just a statistic. It’s a missed opportunity for economic growth, innovation, and social progress.
Recognising this, the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) is stepping beyond its traditional safety net role to drive gender inclusivity in the workforce actively.
Through targeted programmes and practical support, PERKESO is working to ensure more women - not just in urban offices but across all walks of life - are empowered to participate fully and fairly in the economy.
Opening doors for vulnerable women
Women from vulnerable groups often face some of the toughest barriers to employment, whether due to disability, age, or stigma.
Under the Daya Kerjaya initiative introduced in Budget 2024, PERKESO now offers incentives to employers who hire women from these underserved groups, including female ex-offenders and women with disabilities.
It's a policy shift grounded in equity. As PERKESO CEO Datuk Seri Dr Azman Aziz Mohammed puts it, “Redistributing maternity-related costs eases burdens on employers and supports women entering or re-entering the workforce.”
Protecting women in the informal sector
Not all work happens within the four walls of a formal office. According to PERKESO data, about 28 percent of Malaysia’s freelancers and gig workers are women.
These include online sellers, food vendors, domestic workers, tailors, and numerous others contributing to the economy without traditional job benefits or protection.
To close this gap, PERKESO has expanded its Self-Employed Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) to cover 20 informal sectors.
To date, 222,997 women are active contributors of this scheme, gaining access to essential coverage for injury, illness, and disability. It’s a major step forward in acknowledging and protecting women’s work, wherever it happens.
EmpowerHer Career Fair: Jobs that fit women’s lives
Balancing work and family remains a challenge for many Malaysian women, especially in households where caregiving duties fall squarely on their shoulders.
The EmpowerHer Career Fair is PERKESO’s response to this reality - an event designed to connect women with employers offering flexible arrangements like part-time work, job sharing, and hybrid roles.
Beyond job placements, the fair also offers career counselling and upskilling workshops, creating a space where women can explore opportunities that fit their lives, not the other way around.
Supporting women returning to work
Many women step away from the workforce for caregiving or family reasons, but coming back isn’t always easy. That’s where PERKESO’s Return to Work (RTW) programme steps in.
It offers personalised career counselling, job placement services, and access to relevant training to help women re-enter the job market with confidence.
This is supported by the Employment Insurance System (EIS), which offers financial assistance, reskilling, and job-matching services to those who are unemployed, including women returning after long absences.
Employers, too, are part of the solution. Through hiring incentives provided by PERKESO, companies are encouraged to adopt inclusive hiring practices that make room for women rejoining the workforce. These financial nudges are proving effective in reducing biases and expanding opportunities.
Upskilling for the digital era
Today’s job market demands more than just experience - it requires relevant, modern skills. PERKESO offers subsidised training for women workers who have been retrenched and are looking to sharpen their digital literacy, soft skills, and industry-specific knowledge to remain competitive.
Whether it’s brushing up on digital tools or building confidence in leadership, these opportunities are designed to ensure women can compete and thrive in today’s evolving economy.
Changing minds, not just policies
Beyond programmes and policies, PERKESO is also leading efforts to shift societal mindsets. Through public awareness campaigns, it is engaging communities and employers to challenge outdated perceptions about working women.
Nearly half of Malaysian women who are not in the workforce cite caregiving responsibilities as the main barrier, the 2024 Statistics Department report revealed. Supporting these persons requires more than access - it requires understanding, empathy, and systemic change.
The big picture: Why it matters
Malaysia has the potential to bring many more women into the workforce simply by closing the participation gap. Doing so would unlock new sources of growth, strengthen household incomes, and create a more inclusive society.
By providing safety nets, offering real-world solutions like flexible work and training, and encouraging employers to step up, PERKESO is decisively laying the groundwork for a more equal labour market.
“We want every woman to feel that she is supported - whether she’s returning to work, freelancing from home, or breaking barriers in her industry,” Azman added.
Empowering women isn’t just about fairness; it’s about building a better future for everyone.
The World Security Forum 2025
Calling all International Social Security Association (ISSA) members! Learn more about PERKESO’s initiatives to empower women to excel in the Malaysian workforce at the World Social Security Forum 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. Here, you’ll also be able to connect with over 1,000 social security leaders and discover global innovations and best practices. Detailed information at https://www.issa.int/events/wssf2025.
This Social Security series is in collaboration with PERKESO.
